Irritable bowel syndrome

[JackABCD]

I am almost 2 years post Tx and i am cleared from the virus,
I feel relatively very good, lots of the problems I had in the past disappeared.

But for many years I had suffered from gastro problems which i and to some degree also the docs thought it all comes from the HCV infection, now I see that these problems still remain so i went onto a doc who is speciallist in this area and he told me that eventhough it is not exactlly IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) I should treat it as it is IBS.

Also I would like to add that I have had my GB removed about 8 years ago because of GB stones.

My question is if anyone knows about any relationship between HCV and IBS, and info will be appericiated.

Thank you,
Jack  

[GSDgirl]

The drug is called dicyclomine (bentyl) 20mg.   It really works for me but ask your doc.  Within 2 hours it stops the painful spasms

Denise

[JackABCD]

Thank you.
But .., I am afraid that long term therpay with codeine can harm the liver and might cause some damage, isn't it ? I am not a doc.
Jack

[JackABCD]

"Strange that I find being on treatment usually HELPS the condition and it comes back when I stop."

Interesting, this is exactly what happend with me, during Tx the Gasro problem had been totally disappeared and it rerurned back short after the end of the Tx.

Thank you,
Wish you lot of health.
Jack

[JackABCD]

Yes, I would be pleased to know what you doc gave  to you.
Thank you.
Jack

[GSDgirl]

I also ended up with IBS and imodium did nothing so my doctor gave me a script for a little blue pill that calms down the spasms  that causes the awful pain and constant running to the john.  They do work.  If you want I will get you the name

Denise

[Cheesegrater]

I have experienced gastro like problems which either became more pronounced or developed after/during treatments for HCV.
It might be a separate issue or might be related to HCV and/or treatment. I have been on several treatment efforts.
I have discussed with doctors over many years. the best advice they can give is eat more fibre. When it is bad it makes it difficult to think, focus mentally, drive a vehicle and sleep. Laxatives sometimes help.
I also suffer from lower back pain that I think is related to my lower gut problems. I think it is diverticula related. Getting a doctor to try to do something about it so far has been a wasted effort.

I usually feel better when I am empty or eat very little. I have had colonoscopy and show moderate diverticula "disease". Most adults have one or more  diverticuliea by the time they are 40.

Strange that I find being on treatment usually HELPS the condition and it comes back when I stop.  
I never cleared the virus.

[dointime]

"My question is if anyone knows about any relationship between HCV and IBS, and info will be appericiated."

Hi Jack,
A friend of mine did tx but she relapsed.  At some point in the process however she developed IBS.  I don't know if that was coincidental or something to do with HCV and/or tx.  Anyway after trying various remedies she now takes a half a codeine tab a day and that has fixed her symptoms completely.  Sorry I don't know the exact dosage.

dointime

[JackABCD]

Hi,

Thank you, it is so good to hear from you.

Acctually ,without the virus, it is like a new life.

So many problems and difficulities that I have been experienced along 25 years had disappeared.

But I think that it is better not to work during treatement, it is hardly impossible that the people around won't notice and it is quite impossible to manage good relationship with the people around during the treatement. I assume that not everyone can allow himself not to work but unfortunatelly this is my recommendation.

Thank you so much.
Jack

[nygirl7]

Hey Jack I dont have anything to really add but as I remember you very well I wanted to say hello - I'm glad to hear how well you are doing. I am so glad that you have had so many problems disappear and are SVR, I just can't believe how long it's been!  Amazing what being CURED (how great to say) of the virus can do for us isn't it.

SVR RULES ;)

Hope the IBS gets under control SOON.

[JackABCD]

Thank you.
Somehow this forum is always a good place to visit and get good advice.
Jack

[evangelin]

Have you ever tried avoiding gluten.  It is a common culprit of irritable bowel type symptoms.  There was an article once that said a large percentage of people become intolerant to gluten while using Interferon but most get over it after TX...maybe you didn't.  It is common in the general population to become intolerant of it anyway.
I had irritable bowel symptoms for about 7 years after the birth of my first child.  It did not get better until I eliminated wheat products.  I ate lots of rice for a long time.  Now I can tolerate some again. I just happened to stumble on a bok that pointed me in that direction and it worked.
I hope you find relief,
Ev

[portann]

Hi Jack,

Nice to see you.

I can't help with any possible relationship between HCV and IBS but IBS is very widespread, one in seven.

I like this video done by a health care professional who has IBS. Controlling your diet seems so tough but critical. The video is slow to load:

http://www.webmd.com/video/ibs-trigger-foods

Best,

Susan